Parker O-Ring Handbook.pdf
Parker O-Ring Handbook.pdf
Parker O-Ring Handbook.pdf
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5.11 Friction<br />
Friction, either break-out, running, or both, can become<br />
troublesome in some applications. At any given time, there<br />
are anomalies and diffi culties in the prediction of developed<br />
friction. These are accentuated if one of the surfaces involved<br />
is deformable as in O-ring piston or shaft seals. An understanding<br />
of the principles may prove helpful in the solution<br />
of specifi c problems.<br />
5.11.1 Break-Out Friction<br />
In addition to the usual causes of running friction: hardness<br />
of the rubber, type of surface, surface fi nish, squeeze on<br />
the O-ring, amount and type of lubrication, fl uid pressure/<br />
temperature, the amount of break-out friction that a system<br />
will generate depends on the length of time the surfaces of<br />
the metal and the seal element have been in physical contact<br />
at rest. See Figures 5-7 and 5-8.<br />
The theory has been proposed and generally accepted that the<br />
increase of friction on standing is caused by the rubber O-ring<br />
fl owing into the microfi ne grooves or surface irregularities of<br />
the mating part. As a general rule for a 70 durometer rubber<br />
against an 8 micro-inch surface, the maximum break-out<br />
friction that will develop in a system is 3 times the running<br />
friction. This ratio can be reduced by the use of a softer rubber.<br />
Table 5-3 shows some of the factors which may be used<br />
to adjust friction.<br />
Coeffi cient of friction has little bearing on lubricated rubber’s<br />
break-out and running friction. The other variables listed are<br />
much more important in the practical solution to problems.<br />
Pounds of Friction<br />
Steel<br />
8 Micro-In. RMS<br />
Glass<br />
Running Friction with<br />
15 Feet per Minute<br />
Stroke Speed<br />
2-1/2 Sec. 40 Min.<br />
300 Hrs.<br />
Delay Between Cycles<br />
Figure 5-7: Change of O-ring Friction with Time at Rest<br />
2-1/2 Sec. 40 Min.<br />
with Lubrication<br />
Figure 5-8: Flow of O-<strong>Ring</strong> into Metallic Surfaces<br />
300 Hrs.<br />
<strong>Parker</strong> O-<strong>Ring</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong><br />
5.11.2 Running Friction<br />
High running friction may cause diffi culty by wearing soft<br />
metal parts. Metals such as copper, brass or aluminum can<br />
be rapidly worn away by a moving O-ring. This is especially<br />
true if high pressures are involved. If unexplained leakage<br />
occurs with these or other soft metals, it is good practice to<br />
check the metal dimensions for signs of wear.<br />
The following formulas may be used for estimating the running<br />
friction of O-rings.<br />
Piston Groove Rod Groove<br />
FC = fc x Lp<br />
FC = fc x Lr<br />
FH = fh x Ap<br />
Fh = fh x Ar<br />
F = FC + FH<br />
F = Fc + FH<br />
Ap = Projected area of seal for piston groove<br />
applications.<br />
Ar = Projected area of seal for rod groove applications.<br />
F = Total seal friction in pounds.<br />
FC = Total friction due to seal compression.<br />
FH = Total friction due to hydraulic pressure on the seal.<br />
fc = Friction due to O-ring compression obtained from<br />
Figure 5-9.<br />
fh = Friction due to fl uid pressure obtained from Figure 5-10.<br />
Lp = Length of seal rubbing surface in inches for piston<br />
groove applications.<br />
Lr = Length of seal rubbing surface in inches for<br />
rod groove applications.<br />
Example:<br />
<strong>Parker</strong> 2-214 rubbing against OD of O-ring at 103.5 Bar<br />
(1500 psi), 10% compression, 70 durometer:<br />
FC = 0.7 x 3.93 = 2.75<br />
FH = 48 x 0.44 = 20.90<br />
F = FC + FH = 23.65 pounds<br />
Data for the coeffi cients (fc and fh) are given in Figures 5-9<br />
and 5-10. Projected areas and lengths of rubbing surface are<br />
given in Table 5-4.<br />
Friction Factors (In Order of Importance)<br />
To Increase<br />
To Decrease<br />
Friction Factor<br />
Friction<br />
Increase Unit Load (squeeze) Decrease<br />
Increase RMS Surface Finish (metal) Decrease RMS<br />
Increase Durometer<br />
Decrease<br />
Decrease Speed of Motion Increase<br />
Increase Cross Section of O-<strong>Ring</strong> Decrease<br />
Increase Pressure<br />
Decrease<br />
Omit Lubrication Lubrication<br />
Use Lubrication<br />
Decrease Temperature<br />
Increase<br />
Decrease Groove Width<br />
Increase<br />
Increase Diameter of Bore or Rod Decrease<br />
Decrease Surface Finish (O-<strong>Ring</strong>) Increase<br />
Stretch O-ring Joule Effect*<br />
Compress O-<strong>Ring</strong><br />
Lower Durometer Coeffi cient of Friction# Increase<br />
of O-ring<br />
* Refer to rotary seals.<br />
Durometer<br />
# A minor factor and should be ignored in design work other than for ultra<br />
high speeds.<br />
Table 5-3: Friction Factors<br />
<strong>Parker</strong> Hannifi n Corporation • O-<strong>Ring</strong> Division<br />
2360 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY 40509<br />
Phone: (859) 269-2351 Fax: (859) 335-5128<br />
www.parkerorings.com<br />
5-7<br />
Dynamic O-<strong>Ring</strong> Sealing